Goren on Bridge

Published 10:52 pm, Sunday, February 23, 2014

Weekly Bridge Quiz Answers

Q 1 — Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 10 4 ♥ A J 9 8 5 2 ♦ J 8 3 ♣ A J

Three passes to you. What call would you make?

A — You can pass the hand out and re-deal, so it makes no sense to open unless you feel you can make a plus score. This hand has prospects. Fourth-seat pre-empts don't exist — bad hands just pass. This hand would be about minimum for a fourth-seat two-bid, but we like it. Open two hearts.

Q 2 — East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J 10 7 4 ♥ A 10 9 ♦ 8 5 2 ♣ J 9 3

More Information

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣1♠Pass 2♠

3♣Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

A — The popular "Law of Total Tricks" tells us that we are safe competing to the three-level if we have nine trumps between us. Bidding again on this junk will stretch that "Law" to its' limits, but at least we'll have something to blame if it doesn't work. Bid three spades.

Q 3 — Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J 10 7 ♥ K 10 6 ♦ A 5 ♣ A Q J 9 6

Right-hand opponent opens one club. What call would you make?

A — It is usually right to pass when right-hand opponent bids our best suit, but this hand is an exception. A one no trump overcall shows the same strength as a one no trump opening, but it also guarantees a stopper in the opponent's bid suit. This hand qualifies. Bid one no trump.

Q 4 — North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ Q 6 2 ♥ A K 7 5 ♦ A 10 8 5 3 ♣ 9

As dealer, what is your opening bid?

A — There has been much discussion among experts as to the correct opening with four goodish hearts and five diamonds. Some always open one heart, some one diamond, and others decide based on their re-bid choices if partner responds one spade. This hand can happily raise a one spade response. Open one diamond.

Q 5 — Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ K 8 ♥ 5 4 ♦ K 10 5 4 ♣ K Q 9 5 2

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A — Nine tricks is so much easier than eleven. Don't even think about a minor-suit contract. Bid three no trump.

Q 6 — Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J 10 8 4 ♥ K 4 2 ♦ 9 7 ♣ A K J 10

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♣Pass 1♥Pass

1♠Pass 3♥ * Pass

?

*-Invitational

What call would you make?

A — You couldn't be faulted much for passing. Partner's bid is only invitational and you have a minimum — but this is an excellent minimum — good trump support on the auction and a ruffing value that should be useful. Bid four hearts!